Tribute To His Eminence Ayatullah Ali Housseini Khamenei
- Secretariat
- 2 days ago
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Ref: AFED/PR/023/2026 Date: July 08, 2026
TRIBUTE TO HIS EMINENCE AYATULLAH
ALI HOSSEINI KHAMENEI
Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Rajeeun
“To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return”
(Holy Qur'an, Surah Al-Baqarah 2:156)
The seven-day state Funeral of his Eminence Ayatullah Ali Hosseini Khamenei and his family began on Friday 3rd July 2026 in Tehran and then proceeded to Qum and is in Iraq (Najaf and Kerbala) today. He will be buried in his birthplace the Holy City of Mashhad alongside the 8th Holy Imam Hazrat Ali Ar Ridha (‘A) on Thursday 9th July 2026.
Over 100 countries were represented by their delegation and officials at the ceremony on Friday 3rd July 2026 and news reporters from various places are covering the event being attended by millions of Iranians.
His Eminence Ayatullah Khamenei attained martyrdom on Saturday, 28th February 2026 (10th Mahe Ramadhan 1447 AH) in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran together with a number of his close family members. The funeral was delayed due to the war that ensued across that part of the world.
Marhum was a guiding figure for the Shia Ummah and his death is a great loss to the Community and has left a big vacuum within the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Shia World.
He was married to Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh and were blessed with six children (four sons which includes the new Supreme Leader Ayatullah Mujtaba Khamenei). He is known to have grown in an ascetic lifestyle and continued to lead a simple lifestyle until his death.
He played a pivotal role in the stability and development of the Iranian state, through a steady centralization of power over four decades beginning as a trusted confidant of Ayatullah Khomeini and member of the Revolutionary Council, followed by a two-term presidency from 1981 to 1989, and culminating in his elevation to Supreme Leader in 1989.
Ayatullah Khamenei had a passion for reading and writing commentaries since his school days and has authored and translated a number of books. Below are some of the books he wrote:
On the Four Principal Books of “Ilm ul-Rijal”
Islamic Thought in the Quran
Imam Al-Sadiq (a.s.)
The Profundity of Prayer
A Discourse on Patience
The Spirit of Tawhid and the Denial of Worshipping Other than God
A Report on the History and Current State of Qom Islamic Seminary
Ayatullah Ali Khamenei’s teachings emphasized self-discipline, lifelong learning, and deep spiritual connection, lessons we can take from his life include the following:
Self-Edification and Piety
Knowledge and Hard Work
Learning from History
Spiritual Supplication
Resilience and Sacrifice
Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei is portrayed by many as a leader who personified dignity, resilience and long-term strategic planning, coupled with foresight and courage.
In the face of soft pressures and hard diplomacy through the imposition of international sanctions, he elected to set up policies aimed at reducing dependence on external sources by encouraging the efficient use of the nation's domestic resources.
This approach focused around self-reliance, maximizing available capabilities, and promoting sustainable national development. He quickly recognized that Iran had a vast & varied landscape with diverse climatic conditions and substantial reserves of oil and natural gas products. Geographically, the Strait of Hurmuz provided a welcome opportunity to influence global trade and geopolitical importance.
Following the transition of Ayatullah Khomeini in 1989, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was selected by the Assembly of experts to become the Supreme Leader of Iran. Expressing early reservations about accepting the coveted position, he submitted to the will of Allah (SWT) and the wisdom of the experts.
Upon assuming office, he embarked purposefully on reinforcing his vision through regular public engagement and direct contact with the people, encouraging them to embrace the ideals of resilience, discipline, and collective responsibility. His message resonated with multitude of Iranians, who responded positively to his calls for national unity and progress.
Balancing Higher secular education with religious doctrines, he gently steered his nation towards scientific and nuclear research, modern infrastructure and holistic healthcare. Literacy rates rose significantly, universities expanded, industry flourished and the belief of achieving self-sufficiency soared. Endorsing equal opportunities for women in education and professional life and strengthening Iran's defence capabilities, he helped cultivate a highly educated and skilled population capable of contributing to the nation's long-term resilience and prosperity. He will be remembered for transforming the challenges of crippling sanctions and economic hardship into catalysts for greater self-reliance, technological progress, and the expansion of Iran's domestic capabilities.
Simultaneously, as Iran's capabilities grew, its expanding regional influence attracted close attention from neighbouring states and the wider international community, leading to both admiration and concern. Throughout his leadership, faith remained central to his worldview. His belief in Allah SWT informed his decisions and reinforced his conviction that perseverance, sacrifice, and self-reliance were essential to preserving the nation's independence and dignity.
Regarded as a leader whose life was defined by unwavering commitment to his faith and country, and whose steadfastness in the face of adversity inspired millions, he remains an enduring fountain of inspiration for future generations.
His absence leaves behind a profound void, and his legacy continues to inspire and guide those who follow him. The entire Nation stands behind a resolute leader whose vision emphasized national resilience, self-reliance, and the courage to stand alone in the face of adversity and disdain. He will be remembered as a visionary and a wise statesman who devoted his life to the service of Allah SWT, his country and his ideals. May his soul rest in eternal peace in the proximity of the chosen ones – Aameen.
We pray to Almighty Allah (SWT), through His infinite mercy, to grant Ayatullah Khamenei, his deceased family members and all those who lost their lives during the assassination maghferat, elevate their ranks, and grant them eternal proximity to the Chaharda Ma’sumeen (AS).
We also pray for tranquility and peace to prevail in the region and for the safety of our Marja and the Holy Shrines.
Secretariat